Female posterior wall prosthesis

ABSTRACT

A prosthesis comprising a flattened lobe ( 100 ), a neck ( 110 ) and a handle ( 120 ) sized and shaped to shield the posterior vaginal wall from frictional contact during coitus. This self-retaining prosthesis comprises a means to retain the flattened lobe ( 100 ) within the vagina and a means to prevent the handle ( 120 ) from entering the vagina during insertion of the prosthesis or during coitus. This prosthesis decreases the volume of the vagina and decreases the area of the vaginal opening providing a non-surgical, cost-effective solution to tightening a woman&#39;s vagina. The posterior vaginal wall prosthesis enables women who have larger vaginas to use tampons.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND

1. Field

This application relates generally to medical devices, particularly to a prosthesis constructed to duplicate the posterior vaginal wall.

2. Prior Art

After an episiotomy, vaginoplasty or vaginal tear, the remaining healed scar on the posterior vaginal wall can be painful or the area on the posterior vaginal wall can be hypersensitive. There is a need for a sensitive area covering device that can be worn on the posterior vaginal wall during coitus to reduce the friction on this area to help with the hypersensitivity in this area.

In addition, a woman's vagina and vaginal entrance naturally differ in size from person to person. Factors such as aging, overstretching from childbirth or sexual activities can further cause the vagina and vaginal entrance to lose elasticity. To help tighten her vagina, a woman has a few options available to choose from. These options have varying degrees of success and risk.

Since early times, some women have used creams that claim to tighten the vagina. Evidence shows that noticeable tightening effects of these ointments are considered to be ineffective. Application of the cream to the interior walls of the vagina is difficult, embarrassing, and must be properly timed to correspond with sexual intercourse. Some of the creams contain benzocaine, alum or petroleum jelly, none of which are recommended for being inserted into the vagina.

Another prior art alternative is to perform an alum douche. Alum douches are not recommended by doctors, can be irritating and are associated with increased risk of pelvic and vaginal infections. Alum is an astringent that acts to contract the vagina walls, but there is no way to judge how long the constriction will last nor a way to control the extent of tightening.

Performing exercises designed to strengthen pubococcygeal muscles, such as the exercises developed by Dr. Arnold Kegel of the University of California, is a doctor recommended way to exercise the vaginal muscles to tighten the vagina. For those who find it difficult to identify these muscles, biofeedback systems can be useful. These muscles can also be exercised using various vaginal exercise devices (U.S. Pat. No. 4,241,912 to Mercer et al. (1980), U.S. Pat. No. 4,048,985 to Sasse (1977), U.S. Pat. No. 4,895,363 to Plevnik et al. (1990), U.S. Pat. No. 5,256,123 to Reinbolt (1993), to name a few). One disadvantage to these exercise methods is that it takes a long time, an average of 6 to 12 weeks, to see results, so one must be dedicated to maintain the muscle development program long enough for it to be of benefit. In addition, like any muscle, if the muscles are not continually worked, the pubococcygeal muscles will lose their strength. Another disadvantage is that to be of benefit during sexual intercourse, the female must consciously flex her interior muscles, thus taking away from her ability to relax and enjoy the act of intercourse itself.

Electrotherapy of the vagina such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,640,284 to De Langis (1972), reproduces the physical and chemical phenomenon connected with normal muscular work. A small electronic probe is placed in the vagina and painless, low frequency electrical currents cause contractions of the vaginal muscles. Alternatively, the vaginal muscles can be exercised with attractive magnets such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,672,996 to Ross et al. (2004). Unfortunately, both of these methods are expensive and not viable for use in home conditions.

Vaginoplasty is a surgical procedure that helps tighten the vaginal muscles as well as the supporting tissues of the vaginal wall. Any excess vaginal mucosal tissue is excised or removed with a laser. The result is an immediate decrease in the size of vaginal muscles. This is a costly procedure, and has the following risks: problems with anesthesia, bleeding, hematoma, infection with swelling, soreness and tenderness and post operative scarring. There is also the risk of losing sensitivity due to complications within the vaginal wall area and muscles.

In addition to the need to protect a sensitive area on the posterior vaginal wall, there is a need for some women for a non-surgical, cost-effective solution to restore the sensation of a tightened vagina.

Therefore, a need exists for a posterior vaginal wall prosthesis that shields the posterior vagina wall during coitus and can be used for enhancing stimulation during sexual intercourse by imparting the feeling of a tighter vagina. In this regard, the present invention substantially fulfills this need. In this respect, the posterior vaginal wall prosthesis according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

Accordingly, several objects and advantages of the posterior vaginal wall prosthesis are

-   -   (a) to provide a prosthesis which is self-retaining and         ergonomic which protects the posterior vaginal wall and the         perineum from frictional contact during coitus;     -   (b) to provide a prosthesis which effectively decreases the         volume of the vagina and decreases the area of the vaginal         opening, thus providing a non-surgical, cost-effective solution         to giving a woman the sensation of a tightened vagina;     -   (c) to provide a prosthesis which will allow couples to achieve         the desired fit and desired sensations during sexual         intercourse, decreasing the need to look outside the         relationship for the desired fit and sensations, thus decreasing         the transmission of AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases         or infections;     -   (d) to provide a prosthesis which increases sensations for the         male partner by applying more pressure around the penis;     -   (e) to provide a prosthesis which prevents tampons from falling         out of larger vaginas, thus enabling the use of tampons;

Further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.

DRAWINGS Figures

FIG. 1 is an isometric view from above of the posterior vaginal wall prosthesis with a retention bulb in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view from below of the posterior vaginal wall prosthesis of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the posterior vaginal wall prosthesis of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view taken along line 4-4 of the posterior vaginal wall prosthesis of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view taken along line 5-5 of the posterior vaginal wall prosthesis of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a sagittal view showing the posterior vaginal wall prosthesis of FIG. 1 in position in the vaginal passage of a human female.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view from above of the posterior vaginal wall prosthesis in accordance with a second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view from below of the posterior vaginal wall prosthesis of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the posterior vaginal wall prosthesis of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view taken along line 10-10 of the posterior vaginal wall prosthesis of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view taken along line 11-11 of the posterior vaginal wall prosthesis of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is an isometric view from above of the posterior vaginal wall prosthesis in accordance with a third embodiment.

FIG. 13 is an isometric view from below of the posterior vaginal wall prosthesis of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a top view of the posterior vaginal wall prosthesis of FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view taken along line 15-15 of the posterior vaginal wall prosthesis of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view taken along line 16-16 of the posterior vaginal wall prosthesis of FIG. 14.

DRAWINGS Reference Numerals

-   -   100 flattened lobe     -   110 neck     -   120 handle     -   130 retention bulb     -   140 side wing     -   240 lobe retainer     -   250 handle retainer     -   260 lobe finger hole     -   270 handle finger hole     -   280 texture     -   290 recess     -   310 combined retainer     -   610 posterior vaginal wall     -   620 posterior formix     -   630 perineum     -   640 introitus

DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIGS. 1-6—First Embodiment

One embodiment of the posterior vaginal wall prosthesis which resembles a paddle with a curved handle is illustrated in FIGS. 1-5. This embodiment comprises a flattened lobe 100, a neck 110, a handle 120, and a retention bulb 130. The flattened lobe 100 includes two side wings 140, 140. The neck 110 connects the flattened lobe 100 to the handle 120 as illustrated in FIG. 1. This embodiment comprises a flexible, resilient, unitary structure wherein the flattened lobe 100 and the handle 120 are disposed in divergent relation with an included angle in between. Within this included angle, the tear-drop shaped retention bulb 130 is positioned at the base of the flattened lobe 100 near the neck 110 with the largest part of the bulb placed closest to the neck 100 as shown in FIG. 2. The posterior vaginal wall prosthesis is sized and configured to be placed in a human female vagina as shown in FIG. 6 so that the end of the flattened lobe 100 is disposed towards the posterior formix 620 of the vagina, the retention bulb 130 is positioned to contact the posterior vaginal wall 610, the neck 110 is at the introitus 640 and the handle 120 points towards the perineum 630. It is important to note that the neck 110 is crescent-shaped to allow sexual intercourse when the prosthesis is thus positioned in a vagina. The cross section of the neck is illustrated in FIG. 5.

The preferred material for the manufacture of this embodiment is a medical-grade silicone or an elastomeric gel with a durometer measuring between 15-25 on the Shore A scale of hardness. Preferred elastomeric gels to be used are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,807,360 to Shubin (1998). This embodiment of the posterior vaginal wall prosthesis can be made with any other material that comprises the following characteristics. The material should be soft and flexible and deformable by human fingers. The material should have elastic memory to prevent permanent deformation and allow the prosthesis to naturally unroll after insertion into the vagina. The material should also be stable and capable of multiple washings without deterioration. The material should also have the density and tactile feel of human flesh and be capable of readily transmitting vibrations and heat throughout the material.

The posterior vaginal wall prosthesis is molded using conventional liquid injection molding techniques and technologies.

Operation FIGS. 1-6—First Embodiment

Starting at one of the side wings 140 and ending with the opposite side wing 140, the flattened lobe 100 is rolled up with the retention bulb 130 on the outside. The rolled up flattened lobe 100 is then inserted into the vagina until the neck 110 is positioned at the introitus 640 and the handle 120 resides on the exterior of the vagina, adjacent the perineum 630 (see placement in human female vaginal passage in FIG. 6). Once inside the vaginal cavity, due to the prosthesis material's natural tendency to return to its original shape, the prosthesis will unroll. However, complete unfurling is not necessary for the prosthesis to function as intended. Slight minor displacements for comfort can be performed by adjusting the handle 120. In this position, the prosthesis reduces the volume of the internal cavity and reduces the area of the vaginal entrance. In addition, various neck geometrical configurations can emulate a larger male sex organ. The retention bulb 130 and the shape of the flattened lobe 100 act as a retention means to retain the prosthesis within the vagina. The shape of the handle acts as a prevention means to prevent the handle from entering the vagina.

To remove the prosthesis, the handle 120 is clasped and the prosthesis is gently pulled out of the vagina. Due to the shape and the deformability of the flattened lobe, the prosthesis will naturally fold the wings 140 to allow the prosthesis to be removed. The prosthesis can then be cleaned and reused.

To use the posterior vaginal wall prosthesis with a tampon, the prosthesis is placed in position as described above and the tampon is next inserted into place following tampon insertion instructions. The tampon is then removed and changed as needed. The prosthesis can be removed, washed and reinserted as needed.

Description FIGS. 7-11—Second Embodiment

Another embodiment of the posterior vaginal wall prosthesis is shown in FIGS. 7-11. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 7-11 comprises texture 280 on the non-bulb side, a deformable lobe retainer 240 embedded in the flattened lobe 100, a deformable handle retainer 250 embedded in the handle 120, finger holes 260 and 270, and a recess 290 in the retention bulb. Texture 280 is provided on the flattened lobe 100 on the non-bulb side and serves to act as a further means of retention by creating a higher friction surface. This surface texture 280 serves to enhance stimulation to the male sex organ and effectively duplicate the texture of the posterior vaginal wall 610. Note that localized texture 280 or texture 280 on the entire surface of the prosthesis aids to keep tampons in place. The deformable lobe retainer 240 applies continuous pressure in an attempt to flatten out the flattened lobe 100 in the vagina after insertion. The shape of the flattened lobe 100, the retention bulb 130, the lobe retainer 240, and the texture 280 serve to hold the posterior vaginal wall prosthesis within the vagina. The shape of the handle 120 and the handle retainer 250 reduce the tendency for the prosthesis to enter the vagina during sexual intercourse. If and/or when using lubricants, the prosthesis may become slippery; the lobe finger hole 260 and the handle finger hole 270 serve as a means to locate and more easily grasp the prosthesis.

The recess 290 can house a vibrating and/or pulsating device commonly known as a “bullet” vibrator (not shown). This comprises an electrically-driven motor with an eccentrically-mounted load, encapsulated in a generally cylindrical casing with a rounded tip. Such a “bullet” may be powered and controlled remotely and may or may not have electrical cabling, or may be internally battery-powered. Some versions merely vibrate; others have a range of selectable pulsating modes. With the correct choice of materials, the vibrations and/or pulses will be transmitted throughout the prosthesis. Alternatively, the recess 290 can house an electrically-powered warming device, applied in the same manner as is the pulsating/vibrating mechanism.

The preferred material for the embodiment of the posterior vaginal wall prosthesis illustrated in FIGS. 7-11 is the same as the preferred material for the first embodiment, with a different material required for the lobe retainer 240 and the handle retainer 250.

The lobe retainer 240 and the handle retainer 250 are preferably constructed from a similar material used for the first embodiment, albeit more rigid. The preferred material for the manufacture of the retainers is a medical grade silicone with a durometer measurement of between 25-75 on the Shore A scale of hardness. The retainers can also be manufactured from any material with elastomeric properties that can be manually stressed to deform easily. The material must be flexible so that human fingers can roll the prosthesis into a tube-like shape prior to insertion into the vagina and yet resilient enough to flex back to, or close to, its original shape. Other common shape memory materials that can be used for the retainers comprise: plastics, rubbers, nylons, and polyurethanes. Round retainers 240 and 250 are illustrated in the embodiment of FIGS. 7-11, however, rectangular, triangular, or any other shape can be over-molded into the prosthesis to facilitate the same flexural function.

The retainers themselves can be manufactured using industry standard liquid injection molding technologies and techniques. However, the retainers can also be common, standard, off the shelf, ready-made silicone O-ring retainers as shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 7-11.

The prosthesis with retainers of FIGS. 7-11 is manufactured using conventional liquid injection over-molding techniques and technologies.

Operation FIGS. 7-11—Second Embodiment

To operate the embodiment from FIGS. 7-11, if so desired, the user first inserts a “bullet” or a warming device into the recess 290 of the prosthesis, securing the “bullet” or warming device in the recess 290 with a pressure fit. Then, the embodiment of FIGS. 7-11 is operated in the same way as the first embodiment of FIGS. 1-6. In addition, the user can grasp the handle finger hole 250 of the posterior vaginal wall prosthesis embodiment of FIGS. 7-11 to pull the prosthesis out of the vagina. The lobe retainer 240 will deform due to its elastic nature to allow removal. A string can also be affixed to the handle finger hole 270 to aid in the removal of the prosthesis.

If the prosthesis slips entirely into the vagina, the handle finger hole 270 and the lobe finger hole 260 serve as a means to locate, grasp and remove the prosthesis. This is especially useful if additional lubricants are used.

Description FIGS. 12-16—Third Embodiment

The embodiment of FIGS. 12-16 illustrates an embodiment of the prosthesis with a combined retainer 310. The combined retainer 310 is a unitary retainer that combines the lobe retainer 240 and the handle retainer 250 and passes through the neck 110. The combined retainer has the same purpose as the separate retainers, serving to unroll the prosthesis after being rolled up and inserted into the vagina. The combined retainer 310 also holds the flattened lobe 100 in place within the vagina and prevents the handle from entering the vagina before, during and after coitus.

The preferred material for the manufacture of this embodiment is the same material as the material described for the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5. The combined retainer 310 is made of a similar and more rigid material to facilitate the added flexural function. The preferred material for the manufacture of the combined retainer 310 is that of the lobe retainer 240 material described for the embodiment of FIGS. 7-11.

The combined retainer 310 is manufactured using conventional liquid injection molding techniques and technologies. The prosthesis with the combined retainer is manufactured using conventional liquid injection over-molding techniques and technologies.

Operation FIGS. 12-16—Third Embodiment

The embodiment of FIGS. 12-16 is operated in the same manner as the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 described above.

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS AND SCOPE

Accordingly, the reader will see that the posterior vaginal wall prosthesis can be used to shield the posterior vaginal wall and the perineal area. Furthermore, the prosthesis provides women with a new, highly effective, economical, non-surgical means to reduce the volume of the vagina and decrease the area of the vaginal entrance. The prosthesis is simple to use, is easily adjusted for comfort and provides pleasure to both the female and the male partner.

While the above figures and descriptions contain many specificities, the reader should not construe these as limitations on the scope of the invention, but merely as exemplifications of several preferred embodiments thereof. Various other embodiments are possible. For example, different flexible and resilient materials can be used for the prosthesis and retainers. The flattened lobe and handle can be diamond-shaped, rectangular, triangular, round or have various other shapes. The thicknesses of the flattened lobe and the retention bulb can be varied. The handle can have finger holes or not. Optionally, the handle may further comprise a means of anal penetration for an added means of retention. The neck can have different thicknesses and can be shaped to cover more or less surface area of the introitus resulting in varying degrees of sensations of vaginal tightness. The retention bulb can take on different shapes and be placed higher or lower on the flattened lobe. The retention bulb can be eliminated. The lobe retainer and the handle retainer can also have different shapes, vary in cross-section and be made of different materials. The texture can take other forms including dimples, small finger-like projections, or wavy contours. The texture can be localized or on the entire surface of the prosthesis. Pigments, scents, anti-bacterial agents or medication can be added to the material that comprises the prosthesis. The prosthesis can be shaped and sized for use in other sexually receptive orifices. Therefore, the reader is requested to determine the full scope of the invention by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, and not by the examples given. 

1. A prosthetic article, comprising: a. a flattened lobe of material positioned to contact the posterior vaginal wall, said flattened lobe being sized and shaped to shield the posterior vaginal wall, said flattened lobe being shaped to retain the said flattened lobe in the vagina, b. a handle, said handle being sized and shaped to permit sexual intercourse when said flattened lobe is inserted into the vagina, said handle being shaped to prevent the said handle from entering the vagina, c. a neck connecting said flattened lobe and said handle, said neck being sized and shaped to permit sexual intercourse when said neck is positioned at the vaginal entrance, d. a retaining means to retain said flattened lobe within the vagina, e. a preventing means to prevent said handle from entering the vagina, and whereby a female can shield the posterior wall of her vagina and can effectively reduce the volume of her vagina to experience the sense of a tightened vagina during sexual intercourse.
 2. The prosthetic article of claim 1, further comprising a textured surface.
 3. The prosthetic article of claim 1, further comprising at least one recess means.
 4. The prosthetic article of claim 3, wherein said recess means is provided to receive a means of additional stimulation comprising at least one device selected from the group consisting of vibrational devices, pulsation devices, vibrational and pulsation devices, and warming devices, whereby said means of additional stimulation is separable from the said prosthetic article and is electrically powered.
 5. The prosthetic article of claim 1 wherein said retaining means and said preventing means comprise: at least one device selected from the group consisting of retainers, combined retainers, retention bulbs and anal penetrators.
 6. The prosthetic article of claim 1, further comprising at least one hole to aid in repositioning said prosthetic article.
 7. The prosthetic article of claim 1, wherein said handle being sized and shaped to shield the perineum during sexual intercourse.
 8. The prosthetic article of claim 1, comprising a resiliently deformable elastomeric material.
 9. A method of protecting a posterior vaginal wall during coitus, comprising: a. providing a posterior vaginal wall shield of the type comprising a flattened lobe of material being sized and shaped to shield the posterior vaginal wall, said flattened lobe being shaped to retain the said flattened lobe in the vagina, a handle being sized and shaped to permit sexual intercourse when said flattened lobe is inserted into the vagina, said handle being shaped to prevent the said handle from entering the vagina, a neck connecting said flattened lobe and said handle, said neck being sized and shaped to permit sexual intercourse when said neck is positioned at the vaginal entrance, a retaining means to retain said flattened lobe within the vagina during sexual intercourse, a preventing means to prevent said handle from entering the vagina, b. forming said posterior vaginal wall shield into a cylinder that aligns said flattened lobe, said neck and said handle, c. inserting said posterior vaginal wall shield into the vagina, until said neck is at the vaginal entrance and said handle remains outside the vagina and adjacent to the perineum, d. letting said flattened lobe naturally unroll once clear of the vaginal opening so that said flattened lobe lies against the posterior vaginal wall, e. adjusting the placement of said posterior vaginal wall shield with said handle, whereby said posterior vaginal wall shield protects the posterior vaginal wall and enhances the feeling of a tightened vagina during sexual intercourse.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein said retaining means and said preventing means comprise: at least one device selected from the group consisting of retainers, combined retainers, retention bulbs, and anal penetrators.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein said posterior vaginal wall shield further comprises at least one recess means.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein at least one electrically powered device selected from the group consisting of vibrational devices, pulsation devices, vibrational and pulsation devices, and warming devices is inserted into said recess means, said electrically powered device is separable from said posterior vaginal wall shield.
 13. The method of claim 9, wherein said posterior vaginal wall shield further comprises a textured surface.
 14. The method of claim 9, wherein said posterior vaginal wall shield further comprises at least one hole to aid in repositioning said posterior vaginal wall shield.
 15. The method of claim 9, wherein said handle being sized and shaped to shield the perineum during sexual intercourse.
 16. The method of claim 9, wherein the material of said posterior vaginal wall shield comprises a resiliently deformable elastomeric material. 